Suncorp Stadium house of pain
IT IS widely regarded as the best rectangular stadium for rugby league in Australia.
But ahead of the NRL’s historic Magic Round next season, Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium is set for unprecedented scrutiny after recording the highest risk of injury by any venue in 2018.
Alarmingly, Suncorp recorded a higher risk of injury than perennial problem pitch Brookvale Oval, according the NRL’s Injury Surveillance Report for the 2018 season.
The study took in data provided from all 16 NRL clubs across the 439 players who participated in the 2018 season.
The Broncos’ home ground recorded an 8 per cent risk of injury to players – the highest in the NRL. Suncorp also recorded equal highest average number of injuries per game (2.7).
The relatively new Gold Coast Titans’ home of Cbus Super Stadium was narrowly behind Suncorp with 7.8 per cent risk of injury and equal on average injuries per game.
New Zealand’s Mt Smart Stadium was the third most dangerous venue with a 6.4 per cent risk of injury.
The Magic Round will be part of the NRL’s regular season for the first time next year.
All eight matches making up Round 9 will be played at Suncorp over four days, beginning with the Titans versus Cronulla on Thursday, May 9.
NRL head of football Graham Annesley said he had full faith in the Suncorp ground staff to prepare a pitch that was safe for the players.
He conceded the impact of 16 teams over four days on a playing surface during an NRL season was exceptional and an obvious focus for the code.
“There’s no question that Suncorp is a first-class stadium with a quality surface and on this occasion, I would think the (2018) figures are skewed by nothing more than bad luck,’’ Annesley said.
“Eight games over four days (next year) is an unusual amount of traffic and the weather will play a role.
“But we’ll definitely be talking to the venue about how paramount is the health and safety of the players.’’